Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Mickel Malek, a dental surgeon at iSmileSpa in Santa Cruz, California, is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys camping, fishing, and horseback riding when not devoting himself to his work. Something for only the most dedicated adventure seekers, Mickel Malek also enjoys skydiving. Here are three important tips to keep in mind before taking the first plunge.

1. Calm down before the jump. This might be easier said than done, but educating oneself with some skydiving videos and articles beforehand can help put things in perspective. Doing some stretches before jumping, especially ones for the neck, will also help relax the body.

2. Become the banana. When jumping tandem, the body should be banana-shaped, with the head tilted back slightly and eyes on the horizon. The back should stay arched, with legs bent and soles aimed at the sky, with the arms out like a bird.

3. Dress properly and come prepared. While it might seem like jumping out of a plane so high up would be freezing, adrenaline has a way of warming a person up. Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing, and don't forget to bring a bit of cash to tip the instructor!

About Me

Mickel Malek, DDS, has amassed more than 30 years of experience in the dental field. Most recently, he practiced at Santa Barbara Dental Care, where he led efforts to convert record keeping into digital format and performed various implant and full-mouth makeover procedures for patients. Dr. Mickel Malek utilized advanced 3-D technology to aid in dental milling and placing prosthetics.

Prior to joining Santa Barbara Dental Care, Dr. Malek served as a surgeon at Smile Spa in Tucson, Arizona. During his tenure at the spa, he provided oral health care and conducted implantology and reconstructive surgery research, the results of which he published in various journals.

Mickel Malek holds a bachelor of science in psychology from the University of Michigan and a DDS from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Additionally, he is a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and holds membership with the American Dental Association and the American Orthodontic Society.